Break Free!

from Domestic Abuse

Welcome. My name is Laura, and I'm a domestic abuse survivor. I am not a therapist - but I have "been there, done that."

There are many abuses. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse and emotional abuse are only a few. The type of abuse I suffered for fourteen years was mental abuse and emotional abuse, rather than physical abuse. Now, I would never say that one is worse than the other. They are all awful in their own way. In one sense, I was fortunate that I did not have to endure bruises or broken bones. On the other hand, the kind of bruises I got can only be healed by forgiveness and time, rather than icepacks and stitches. I do not want it to seem like I am minimizing the pain of anyone who has suffered physical abuse. I'm not. I just want you to understand that it's a different kind of pain.

I want to share my story on these pages, in the hopes that even ONE PERSON benefits by what I experienced. As I tell my story here, no doubt with many tears along the way, I will also include whatever helped me out of it, such as books I read, other stories I heard from friends, etc. Hopefully this site will help SOMEONE out of a similar situation.

My Story

Chapter 1: Oct 1982 to Oct 1983
Chapter 2: Oct 1983 to May 1985
Chapter 3: May 1985 to Oct 1990
Chapter 4: Oct 1990 to Jan 1993
Chapter 5: Jan 1993 to Sept 1995
Chapter 6: Sept 1995 to April 1997
Happily Ever After

One important note: I realize that this site seems like it is "for women only," but please don't think that I am blind to the fact that there ARE men out there suffering from abuse by their wives. I know it's there. And I hope that those men have the courage to share their stories with us also. We welcome you.

I will tell you now, I divorced him in April of 97 and met a simply wonderful man - and yes, I have my children with me. So there is a "happy ending."

You can send this page to a friend, but be sure it's her email, not his!

Attention TEEN GIRLS!

I have received email from several teenage girls who think they are being abused, or have friends who may be being abused. I have also received mail from moms and dads who feel their daughters are suffering from abuse by their boyfriends. Here is a wonderful site for teens. Parents, friends, please take a minute to visit this site and see how great it is!

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